Painful oral lesions come in a variety of forms, from multiple small ulcers to more severe conditions such as oral mucositis. Oral mucositis is characterised by unpleasant, painful ulcers and inflammation in the mouth.

In some cases oral mucositis can cause severe discomfort or pain and may even prevent swallowing of food and fluids.

Oral mucositis doesn't just cause pain; it can also affect disease management and treatment outcomes. Oral mucositis can lead to:

Increased risk of infection and fever3

Prolonged hospitalisation3

Adjustment of anti-cancer therapy2,3

Need for artificial nutrition (i.e. a feeding tube)2,3

Need for strong painkillers (e.g. opioids)3

Increased weight loss3

Restricted mouth care4

Impaired speech4

Oral mucositis can also have a significant impact on healthcare resources. American studies have estimated extra costs associated with oral mucositis to be in the region of £920 to £3750 per patient,* depending on severity.3,5

*Based on the results of two US studies.3,5 Figures are converted from US$ using average exchange rates for the period of study data collection.

Encouraging meticulous oral hygiene is important in preventing and managing oral mucositis. The joint Multinational Association of Supportive Care In Cancer (MASCC) and International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO) guidelines (2007) for oral mucositis recommend:7

Initial and ongoing assessment of the oral cavity using validated instruments that include both patient self-report and professional examination

Regular, systematic, oral care hygiene with brushing, flossing, bland rinses and moisturisers using a standardised oral care protocol should be implemented for all patients

Use of a soft toothbrush, replaced on a regular basis

Dental examinations and treatment prior to the start of cancer therapy for all patients, especially those with head and neck cancer, which should continue throughout active treatment and follow-up.

Management strategies for oral mucositis include:

Bland rinses8

Topical anaesthetics8

Analgesics8

Keratinocyte growth factor-18

Low level laser treatment7

Mucosal coating agents, such as Gelclair®8

Gelclair® is an oral gel that helps to relieve the pain associated with oral mucositis and other treatment-related oral lesions.9-11 Gelclair® does this by forming a bioprotective coating inside the mouth, offering rapid and effective pain management.9-11

To find out more about how Gelclair® works and the clinical evidencesupporting it, click here or click on the "About Gelclair®" tab at the top of the page.

Medical device adverse incidents should be reported to the MHRA. Reporting information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk. Any adverse event should also be reported to Pharmacovigilance at Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited (tel: 01249 466 966, email:pharmacovigilance@alliancepharma.co.uk).

Find out more about the effects of oral mucositis on patients' lives

To watch videos of other people's experiences with oral mucositis, click here

For further information, please contact us on 01249 466 966, Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, or email us

This site is intended for UK residents and healthcare professionals. If you are not a UK resident or healthcare professional, please visit www.gelclair.net

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